BasicsTopical
antibiotcs are a commonly used treatment modality for acne. They are found mostly
in presciption medications, but some proucts contating sulfur can be found over
the counter. The main topical antibiotics are clindamycin, erythromycin, and sodium
sulfactamid/sulfur.

How
they workTopical antibiotics work by fighting bacteria. As such, they
work similar to benzoyl peroxide. Occassionally however, resisance can occur and
the bacteria can outsmart the topical antibiotcs making them less effective. In
addition to fighting bacteria, the topcial antibiotics have the ability to fight
and reduce inflammation. This ability to fight inflammation is perhaps the most
important feature of antibiotics.

Potential
side effectsTopical
antibiotics are very same and generally well tolerated. Some can create mild irritation.
In addition, people who are allergic to sulfa containing medications should be
aware of the medications that contain sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur combinations.
While extremely rare, there have been reports of topical clindamycin containing
products causing a gastrointestinal problem called pseudomembranous colitis.